Clearwater FL Periodontist Shares Sinus Augmentation for Dental Implants

A sinus augmentation graft procedure makes it possible for many patients to have dental implants when years ago there was no other option besides wearing loose dentures.

Sinuses are like empty rooms. Some of the roots of the natural upper teeth extend up into the maxillary sinuses. When these upper teeth are removed, there is often just a thin wall of bone separating the maxillary sinus and the mouth. Dental implants need bone to hold them in place. When the sinus wall is very thin, it is impossible to place dental implants in this bone. For this situation, Dr. Britten would recommend a sinus augmentation graft to create a stable bone environment for implants to be placed.

Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is a periodontal practice offering patients personalized dental care in implant dentistry in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Todd Britten received his Bachelor of Science & Doctorate of Dental Surgery from University of Florida, a Master’s Degree and Certificate in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry; and completed extensive training at the Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry. He is one of the only board-certified periodontists in Pinellas County. He is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, American Dental Association, Florida Association of Periodontists, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association, Hillsborough County Dental Association, Hillsborough County Dental Research Association and Florida West Coast Dental Association

To learn more about Dr. Britten and his dental services visit his website at:http://www.clearwaterperiodontist.com or www.brittenperio.com or call (727) 586-2681

Clearwater FL Periodontist & Implant Specialist Dr. Todd Britten Shares Advancements in Dental Implants

Clearwater FL Periodontist & Implant Specialist Dr. Todd Britten Shares Advancements in Dental Implants

Dental implants today are not only considered the gold standard of care for tooth replacement, but they are usually now considered to be the superior or ideal treatment option for damaged or lost teeth. We are excited about the many advancements in implant planning, placement and technology. 

A major advancement has come in the form of improved imaging and planning of dental implants. ConeBeam CT scans give an efficient, ultra-low radiation image that allows the surgeon excellent information about the surgical site. This is often combined with computer software to plan the exact location of the dental implants, which is then used to make a surgical guide. “This amazing technology takes virtually all human error out of the process. We can practice planning the dental implants on the computer model before the patient comes in. We can even plan for the location and shape of the final tooth,” says Dr. Todd Britten.

Implant sizes, materials and systems continue to improve. The titanium ally used in dental implants now allows for more compact and biocompatible implants while still providing the needed strength to resist the strong bite forces of the mouth. Implant-supported dentures have also come a long way, and many times four implants can be used to retain a complete upper or lower denture.  Materials to provide bone support are also continuously improving. After the loss of one or more teeth, the jawbone will deteriorate or lose support where the tooth or teeth used to be. Ridge augmentation uses bone and tissue-grafting procedures to fill in the area where jaw bone has been lost, leaving more bone and better support for dental implant placement.

Guided bone regeneration for ridge augmentation has been found to be very predictable. Synthetic growth factors have used for this procedure have improved and we can also use our patient’s own blood to produce materials rich in growth factors, such as L-PRF. 
In summary, the advances in implant dentistry allowing us to plan our implant placements better, regenerate lost bone more predictably, and place implants with more accuracy and into more sites than ever before. It is exciting to think of what is coming in the future of dental implant placement, all with less patient discomfort and risk. 

As an implant specialist, Dr. Britten is highly trained and experienced in the most advanced and current technologies used for long-term implant health and success. He believes in using the best diagnostic tools as well as the highest quality implants in his practice. Dr. Britten works closely with the best restorative dentists in the Tampa Bay area to obtain the best possible outcome for his patients' implants. For more information, contact us at 727-586-2681 or visit our website www.brittenperio.com

Clearwater FL Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten, Offers Laser Dental Surgery As a Successful Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Clearwater FL Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten, Offers Laser Dental Surgery As a Successful Treatment for Periodontal Disease

Dr. Todd Britten is offering patients at Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry surgical treatment utilizing the PerioLase and LANAP® protocol for treatment of periodontal disease. LANAP, or the Laser Assisted New Attachment Procedure, is an alternative to traditional periodontal surgery for the treatment of gum disease. Dr. Britten also offers LAPIP®, the Laser Assisted Peri-Implantitis Procedure, to treat infected and/or save failing dental implants.

Dr. Todd Britten, DMD, M.S., a board-certified periodontist, provides LANAP therapy as an option to traditional surgery for patients who suffer from gum or periodontal disease. Dr. Britten received special training on the procedure, which uses the PerioLase MVP-7 laser for periodontal disease treatment. This procedure kills harmful bacteria and removes unhealthy gum tissue without harming bone or healthy tissue.

At Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry, Dr. Todd Britten and his staff care about their patients’ total oral and systemic health and are concerned that nearly half of American adults have some form of gum disease and many don’t even know it.  Gum disease can cause serious oral health problems, and has been connected to a number of other major health issues, such as heart disease and Diabetes. The uses a laser instead of scalpel, so it is minimally invasive. Patients who have undergone this periodontal disease treatment have reported little, if any, discomfort or pain and a shorter recovery period.

The laser dental surgery procedure begins with Dr. Britten using a periodontal probe to determine the depth of the pockets between the teeth and gums that contain bacteria.  He then uses the PerioLase laser to eliminate those harmful bacteria, tartar and diseased gum tissue in the pockets.   The healthy tissue is compressed and stimulated to attach to the tooth and bone regeneration may also stimulated by the laser.

The LANAP procedure is fully cleared by the FDA for periodontal disease treatment and has been shown to be quite effective. Patients who suffer from gum disease can now be evaluated to determine whether they are candidates for this new treatment procedure. For additional information on the LANAP procedure, visit http://www.clearwaterperiodontist.com or www.brittenperio.com

Britten Periodontics & Implant Dentistry is a periodontal practice offering patients personalized dental care in implant dentistry in Clearwater, Florida. Dr. Todd Britten received his Bachelor of Science & Doctorate of Dental Surgery from University of Florida, a Master’s Degree and Certificate in Periodontology and Implant Dentistry; and completed extensive training at the Institute of Advanced Laser Dentistry. He is one of the only board-certified periodontists in Pinellas County.  He is a member of the American Academy of Periodontology, American Dental Association, Florida Association of Periodontists, Upper Pinellas County Dental Association, Hillsborough County Dental Association, Hillsborough County Dental Research Association and Florida West Coast Dental Association

Dr. Todd Britten is now offering this FDA-cleared laser procedure for gum disease and periodontal treatment. To learn more about Dr. Britten and his dental services visit his website at:http://www.clearwaterperiodontist.com or www.brittenperio.com or call (727) 586-2681.

Clearwater Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten is using new technology to promote healing of surgical procedures

Clearwater Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten is using Platelet Concentrates (L-PRF, or Leukocyte-Platelet Rich Fibrin) to promote healing in dental procedures in his Clearwater, FL periodontal practice.

Concentrated blood has been used in hospitals for a long time to accelerate healing.  Leukocyte Rich Platelet Rich Fibrin (L- PRF) is a by-products of a patient's own blood that can help healing after dental procedures such as a tooth extraction, as well as promote healing around bone or tissue grafts and dental implants.

L-PRF™ is a 3-D autogenous combination of Platelet Rich Fibrin derived from a patient’s blood.  First, it is determined if patient is a candidate for L-PRF treatment.  If so, blood is then drawn in Dr. Britten's office from a patient's arm. The blood is then immediately placed into a centrifuge to separate the blood into layers.  This thin, compressed layer of platelet rich fibrin is strong, pliable and even suitable for suturing. This natural fibrin network is rich in platelets, growth factors (PDGF, BMP, VEGF)  and cytokines derived from the blood platelets and white blood cells called leukocytes. These proteins promote rapid healing, especially during the critical first seven days after they are placed.

Growth factors are triggered and released and clot formation is stimulated by blood platelets, fibrin and growth factors to help heal wounds.  Growth factors stimulate stem cells to produce new host tissue quickly, making L-PRF effective in the healing process.

Advantages of using L-PRF also include lower infection risk after surgical dental procedures by sealing a treatment wound from bacteria after treatment.  Saturation of the surgical area, bone graft material and/or dental implant helps increase tissue formation due to its growth factors such as BMP, VEGF and PDGF, and this, in turn, results in faster gum and bone regeneration. Speedier healing decreases the risk of later infections, complications, and discomfort."The use of this technology has been shown to lower the chance of dry sockets after extraction, which can be very painful." Dr. Britten said.

L-PRF treatments are often used for greater success for necessary procedures for dental implant placement,  including socket bone grafts, sinus lifts, ridge augmentation, correcting peri-implantitis, block bone grafts and extraction sites prior to implant placement.


Dr. Britten explained, "L-PRF technology is used to quicken the healing process and is completely safe. Disease transmission is not a factor since blood is drawn from a patient's own body.  Most patients report a greater degree of comfort during healing even immediately after their procedure. The amount of blood needed is minimal and can be collected easily."

If you have any questions about treatment with platelet rich fibrin/plasma or would like to find out if you are a candidate and can benefit from this treatment, you can contact Dr. Todd Britten in his Clearwater, Florida periodontal practice at 727-586-2681. 

Clearwater FL Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten Shares: What is LANAP Laser Surgical Gum Therapy?

What is LANAP Laser Surgical Gum Therapy?

Our office offers a minimally-invasive periodontal surgery procedure called the LANAP protocol.Gum disease is a chronic inflammatory disease that destroys the tissue and bone around the teeth.  If left untreated, the disease can lead to receding gums, loss of bone, and ultimately tooth loss. The LANAP protocol is the only laser periodontitis treatment that is cleared by the U.S. FDA and is clinically and histologically proven to regenerate new gum, tissue, ligament and bone

Who is a candidate for LANAP laser surgery?

Patients with moderate-to-severe gum disease can especially benefit from the LANAP protocol.  The LANAP protocol is also an excellent treatment option for patients who are fearful of conventional scalpel surgery and patients taking certain medications, such as blood thinners.  It is important to state however, that not every patient is a candidate for laser surgery, it all depends on the individual.  Dr. Britten will thoroughly explore all options to help you keep your teeth and gums healthy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ts_s044_R-Q

Dr. Todd Britten has received intensive training in the LANAP protocol by the Institute for Advanced Laser Dentistry.  The LANAP protocol is the only laser periodontitis treatment scientifically and clinically proven to regenerate soft tissue and bone.  The surgery is performed here in our practice with the only laser specifically designed for the LANAP protocol -- the PerioLase MVP-7.

For more information regarding LANAP Laser Gum Treatment offered by Dr. Todd Britten, contact our office at 727-586-2681 or visit our website at www.brittenperio.com.

Clearwater Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten Shares Bone Grafting Procedure

If a patient has severe bone loss surrounding existing teeth, Dr. Britten may recommend a regenerative procedure called Periodontal Regeneration Grafting. This procedures can reverse some of the damage by regenerating lost bone and tissue.

During this procedure, Dr. Britten accesses the deeper disease and removes the disease‐causing bacteria in a procedure called osseous surgery . Barrier membranes, bone grafts or tissue‐stimulating proteins can then be used to encourage your body’s natural ability to regenerate bone and tissue. The bone grafting material is placed in the bony defects around the teeth. A membrane may be used to cover and protect the bone graft. When healed, new bone will grow and attach to the teeth.

For questions about if a bone grafting procedure might be right for you, contact our office at 727-586-2681.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPORajUKNe4

Clearwater FL Periodontist Shares: Clenching and Grinding & Custom Nightguard

Many people clench or grind their teeth whether they realize it or not. Clenching and grinding can be detrimental to your teeth and to their supporting structures (gum tissues and bone). It can cause wear on the biting surfaces, root defects, gum recession, contribute to gum disease and tooth shifting and mobility, and cause muscular and TMJ (joint) issues.

Most people are completely unaware that they do it, because it happens while they are sleeping. Many patients do not realize they grind their teeth and find the thought of wearing a night guard very unappealing.

Nightguards purchased online or at the drug store are not custom fitted, they are usual one size fits all or boil & bites. They can be large, unattractive, poorly fitting and may even come out during the grinding.

Your dentist is trained in how a persons' bite should function, how the teeth should come together and will take into account your specific situation and grinding pattern. Your dentist’s office will take impressions of your teeth so that the dental lab can make a might guard that is the exact match to your teeth.

Although the initial investment may be greater, a custom fit nightguard can be an extremely worthwhile investment in the long run. It is designed by your dentist to fit your teeth exactly and is much more likely than a store bought guard to prevent you from needing more expensive dental work in the future. In many case, dental insurance covers all or part of the cost.
Dr. Britten can check your teeth and bite for signs of abnormal clenching and grinding and work with your dentist to fabricate the right appliance for you. Contact our office at 728-586-2681, via email at healthysmiles@brittenperio.com or visit our website at www.brittenperio.com with any questions or concerns you have.

Clearwater Periodontist Shares Flossing Tips

Flossing Tips from Dr. Britten:

Typically, dental floss should be wrapped around the 2 middle fingers and stretched to a 12 to 18 inch length. Gently move back and forth in the area where the teeth contact each other, wrapping your floss it in a “C” shape around the side of the tooth. Once the floss is through this contact area it is gently moved under the tissue just until resistance is met. It is important not to “jam” the floss under the tissue, as this pulls on the periodontal ligament and can cause damage to the tissue and result in very sore gum tissue. At this point a cleaning stroke moves the floss away from the gum tissue toward the contact spot. Continue with this 6-8 times until a squeak can be heard and the tooth surface is clean.

Then move the floss to the adjacent tooth and do the same. While traditional flossing methods are most effective, flossing aids, such as floss picks or Soft Picks (GUM), are available for those with dexterity issues.

Flossing video:
https://youtu.be/fRpCTwoe2W0

Flossing is so important for the health of your gums and should be done every day. For more great oral hygiene tips, keep following us here on Google,  and stay tuned for our up and coming redesigned website which will have many helpful and insightful oral hygiene tips!

Clearwater FL Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten: Surgical Procedures: Cosmetic Crown Lengthening and Correction of a Gummy Smile

Correcting a Gummy Smile, or Cosmetic periodontal surgery:

This periodontal procedure is designed to expose more tooth structure prior to restorative and cosmetic dentistry and/or to improve the esthetics of your gum line. A frequently asked question is whether we can change the esthetics of a gummy smile because the teeth appear somewhat short. Your teeth can actually be of proper length and just covered with excessive gum tissue. In such circumstances, a crown lengthening procedure will correct this by exposing the shape of your natural teeth.

Clearwater Periodontist & Implant Specialist Dr. Todd Britten: Surgical Procedures: Implant Placement

Extraction of a root tip (tooth broken to gumline), placement of bone graft with immediate implant placement.

First, the extraction of a root tip: Careful management of extraction sockets after a tooth is removed prevents unsightly bone loss and provides a better cosmetic outcome for tooth replacement.

Bone graft plaement: For successful implant placement, and to prevent bone resorption, a ridge preservation(or bone grafting) procedure may be recommended. Without the use of a bone graft and collagen barrier at the time of extraction, studies show that 30­-40% of the jaw bone is immediately lost. This is because your body perceives that once the root is removed, the bone is no longer needed and your body absorbs or removes it, creating a ridge deformity.

Dental implant placement: Implants are versatile. If you are missing only one tooth, one implant plus one replacement tooth will do the trick. If you are missing several teeth in a row, a few strategically placed implants can support a permanent bridge (a set of replacement teeth). Similarly, if you have lost all of your teeth, a full bridge or full denture can be permanently fixed in your mouth with a strategic number of implants.

Sometimes an implant can be placed at the time of extraction and grafting, and sometimes it cannot. This video demonstrates immediate implant placement and an uncovery procedure of the implant at the end of healing. Your implant specialist and restorative dentist will work together to come up with the best treatment plan suited for your particular case.

Please contact our office if you have any questions about dental implants at 727-586-2681 or www.brittenperio.com. ‪#‎dentalimplants‬

Clearwater Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten on Non-Surgical Periodontal Therapy

Non Surgical Periodontal Therapy also known as scaling and root planing or “a deep cleaning” is often recommended as the first step in periodontal therapy. Treatment is done by one of our hygienists using local anesthesia to provide comfort for the patient as the root surfaces in deep periodontal pockets are debrided to remove calculus or “tartar” and to smooth the root surfaces to remove bacterial toxins. This may take more than one visit with the hygienist and is followed up with a visit with Dr. Britten in four to six weeks to re­evaluate the periodontal tissues.


https://youtu.be/LSRn45Spnc8

Clearwater FL Periodontist Shares IV Sedation Video "Darwin Dentist Shares IV Sedation and General Anesthesia Instructions"

Clearwater FL Periodontist Shares IV Sedation Video "Darwin Dentist Shares IV Sedation and General Anesthesia Instructions"  

Dr. Britten offers IV sedation for some surgical procedures in our office.  We like how this video from Darwin Dental reviews some of the do's and don'ts for IV sedation.  Side note:  Dr. Britten recommends no eating or drinking for 8 hours prior to sedation, not 6 hours as stated in the video.  #clearwaterperiodontist#periodontist #gumsurgery #ivsedation

https://youtu.be/K4k7rAaDW4M

Clearwater Periodontist Dr. Todd Britten: Gingival Grafting

Gingival (gum) recession: Its causes, side effects, and possible treatment options, gingival (gum tissue) grafting.

When recession of the gum tissue occurs, the body loses a natural defense against both bacterial penetration and trauma. When gum recession is a problem, gum reconstruction using grafting techniques is an excellent option.

When there is only minor recession, some healthy gum tissue often remains and protects the tooth, so that no treatment other than modifying home care practices is necessary. However, when no firm gum tissue remains, this leaves the roots of the teeth and the underlying bone relatively unprotected, which could result in root sensitivity, bacterial penetration, decay and even loss of teeth.

A gingival graft is designed to address these problems. A thin piece of tissue is taken from the roof of the mouth or gently moved over from adjacent areas to provide a stable band of attached gum tissue around the tooth. The gingival graft may be placed in such a way as to cover the exposed portion of the root, however, the main objective is to re­establish the protective barrier or layer of the gum around the tooth. Occasionally, the patient may need multiple procedures to achieve the ideal amount of root coverage.

Dr. Britten has trained in the latest minimally invasive techniques of gum grafting and can often perform the entire procedure through a pinhole incision!  Call our Clearwater Periodontal Office today for more information at 727-586-2681 or visit our website at www.brittenperio.com.